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Economy having small affect on resort industry
Published 11:26 a.m., June 22, 2009
The summer is off to a steady start for Otter Tail County resorts, though the economic downturn has meant changing patterns among visitors.
Nick Leonard has noticed more last-minute reservations at East Silent Resort, the Dent business his family runs. People seem to be taking stock of their finances closer to their anticipated vacation time, Leonard said, and making the reservation once they are confident they can afford it.
Leonard has learned of visitors’ job losses and changes in other years, and the state of the economy is always a factor in anticipating resort traffic.
“It seems to be a little more visible this year, but we’re especially cognizant of it all the time,” Leonard said. “Last year it was gas prices.”
Leonard said he thinks business is down a bit, though East Silent Resort is booked now through the end of August. The resort is open primarily from May to late September, though the Leonards accommodate occasional winter guests.
June has been a little slow at Sand Bay Resort in Battle Lake, but owner Hollie Mills says cooler weather and a later school year may be more to blame than the economy. Even during years when the economy is better, resorts are seeing a shrinking summer season as graduation events and make-up snow days creep into June. On the other side of the summer, some outstate guests are starting school sooner, meaning family vacations fall less into late August.
“We’re seeing that window starting to narrow a little bit,” Mills said.
Still, Mills said July is scheduled to be busier than in years past. She doesn’t know of anyone who hasn’t been able to stay because of a job loss.
Business hasn’t fluctuated much for South Turtle Lake Resort in Underwood. Roger Hertel, owner of the resort, has had one cancellation due to a loss of a job, but continues to host regulars who make the resort an annual vacation destination. Hertel has even seen some new traffic this year at the resort, which attracts guests from as far as Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Washington State and Indiana.
“I’ve had some new people book, but actually my year is looking the same as last year,” he said.
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spell check, please.
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amazing. They don't even care.
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